Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) education director Mere Vaihola has accepted a call to Pacific Adventist University (PAU) as deputy vice chancellor for administration.
In this role Mrs Vaihola will provide executive leadership and oversee the areas of policy formation, operational management, human resources management, health and wellness, ICT operations, support services, physical plant operations development and campus security. The newly-created position is designed to complement the existing management team comprising the vice chancellor, deputy vice chancellor (academic affairs), bursar (financial affairs) and director of student services.
“Mere Vaihola brings to PAU an extensive experience in Adventist education administration in the Pacific,” said PAU vice chancellor Professor Lohi Matainaho.
“She is incredibly passionate about Adventist education and the mission of PAU in her service for the Lord. PAU looks forward to welcoming Mere Vaihola and her family to the PAU community.”
Mrs Vaihola has been serving at the TPUM since 2017, initially as associate education director before being appointed education director in 2021.
“I have truly enjoyed serving God in the education department at TPUM for the past six years and have always been dependent on God to send me where He sees I am most needed in His service,” she said.
“I am humbled and honoured to continue to serve Him at PAU.”
TPUM president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga said PAU will be blessed by Mrs Vaihola’s wealth of experience in education leadership.
“TPUM will certainly miss her,” he said. “We wish her all the best with this new role.”
South Pacific Division education director Dr Malcolm Coulson also congratulated Mrs Vaihola on her appointment.
“Mrs Vaihola will be greatly missed by the teachers and school leaders across the TPUM,” Dr Coulson said. “She has been very diligent in promoting Adventist education and ensuring that the essential character of Adventist education has been embedded in all aspects of students’ learning experiences.
“She has set a great example to the teachers, staff and school leadership through her hard work and commitment to those she served. While the move to PAU will see Mrs Vaihola take on new challenges, we want to say a big vinaka vakalevu from all your friends and colleagues across the TPUM! May God bless your new endeavour.”
